Stuffed with leftovers, and proud of it!

Who doesn't like to have a tasty cache of turkey on hand the day after Thanksgiving?

By Jan Roberts-Dominguez

Who doesn't like to have a tasty cache of turkey on hand the day after Thanksgiving?

Around our house, Thanksgiving leftovers are something we can't get enough of. Before the roasty-toasty bird has reached room temperature, folks are contemplating their midnight raids. And the next day, there's a path worn in the linoleum between the fridge and television.

We're not ceremonious in our munching, either. We use a slice of turkey to scoop up cold, leftover gravy, wrap it around stuffing, slather it with mayonnaise, smear it with cranberry sauce, sandwich it between crackers (when the bread runs out). You get the idea.

Sit down, Dr. Oz. It's one (or two, or three) days out of the year, and we're not proud. We're resourceful. Or maybe just embracing our Paleo roots?

However, why not share a little of this gastronomic windfall with your friends? Frequently, Thanksgiving Day is earmarked for "family." But we all have dear friends who, although they don't quite make it into the "nuclear," are people with whom we'd like to spend a few hours in grateful reflection for all those good times. Have them over the day AFTER Thanksgiving.

It can be tasty, fun and not a lot of work. Any of the recipes inside will keep you in the party spirit — and will highlight the leftover bird without making your special guests feel like retreads.

The Taco Soup could be taken along for a day of hiking or wine tasting. Ditto for the sandwich: a portable version of the genuine Cobb Salad recipe I shared a few weeks ago. It incorporates all the vital ingredients while taking advantage of leftover turkey.

Jan Roberts-Dominguez is a Corvallis food writer, artist and author of "Oregon Hazelnut Country, the Food, the Drink, the Spirit" and four other cookbooks. Readers can contact her by email at janrd@proaxis.com or obtain additional recipes and food tips on her blog at www.janrd.com.